Leadership Team
Ararira Springs Primary was built on a 4 hectare site in Lincoln and opened in 2019. We currently have site capacity for 550 learners.
Claire Howison
Principal/Tumuaki
Claire has been at Ararira since it opened in 2018. She loves learning, undertaking new challenges and building relationships with teachers, learners and whānau.
Her leadership is grounded in modern theories that are centred around learning to enhance student self-efficacy and independence. She is invested in helping people be the best versions of themselves and using coaching to achieve this.
Claire and her husband Steve have just completed a build on the lower slopes of Mt Pleasant. Weekends are spent relaxing with family and friends as their children live nearby. In her spare time, Claire enjoys scouring second-hand clothing stores and getting lost in a good book.
You can contact Claire on claire.howison@ararira.school.nz
Emma Woolford
Deputy Principal
Emma comes with years of experience across all primary levels. She has a wealth of knowledge in effective collaborative practice, and is leading professional development in the refreshed curriculum areas.
Emma is passionate about developing leaders, and has recently completed her Masters of Education, endorsed in leadership. Her areas of passion are Maths, Structured Literacy, Health & Social Sciences. With a Reggio-inspired background, Emma believes in creating opportunities to allow students to shine in many different ways.
Emma calls Rolleston home, alongside her husband, Daniel and two teenagers. In her spare time, Emma enjoys camping, spending time with friends and exercising her two spoodles.
You can contact Emma via emma.woolford@ararira.school.nz
Blair Cook
Assistant Principal
Blair has over 20 years of experience and has taught in Australia, the U.K and New Zealand. He enjoys using digital technology to improve student outcomes and utilizing Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) to give students fun and valuable learning opportunities.
Blair joined the Ararira staff in 2018 as part of the original leadership team. During that year, he completed his Masters of Education in Leadership. Over the years, Blair has led different year groups and enjoys being part of the leadership team while continuing his role as a classroom teacher.
In his spare time, he likes going biking with his two children, playing golf and spending time at the gym.
You can contact Blair via blair.cook@ararira.school.nz